Here are the top eight resources for Native American heritage education in Georgia, offering a mix of local history, classroom tools, and authoritative reference materials:
1. Native Americans in Georgia: Histories and Resources (Georgia State University)
Provides direct links to histories written by citizens of the Muscogee and Cherokee Nations, interactive maps of native lands, and information about tribal governments and councils in Georgia, including the Georgia Council on American Indian Concerns.
2. GPB Digital Resources – Georgia Stories: Native Americans Collection
Features 18 educational videos and virtual field trips to sites like Ocmulgee National Monument, Kolomoki Mounds, Etowah Indian Mounds, and the Cherokee Nation capital of New Echota, exploring the history, culture, and traditions of Georgia’s native tribes.
3. Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site
A significant Mississippian culture archaeological site in Cartersville, Georgia, with a museum and repatriated artifacts, offering educational programs and new exhibits on the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.
4. Infobase American Indian History Portal (via Fulton County Library)
An online resource with primary sources, biographies, images, timelines, and curriculum tools, including local history connections such as Cherokee Nation v. Georgia and information on lesser-known tribes like the Savannah River Band of Uchee and the Timucua.
5. Native Land Digital
An interactive global map showing the approximate geographic areas of native lands, including those in Georgia, with educational resources about native peoples and their histories.
6. New Georgia Encyclopedia
Offers numerous articles about Native American history and culture in Georgia, suitable for students and educators seeking in-depth, state-specific information.
7. National Museum of the American Indian
Provides digital exhibitions, lesson plans, and educational materials on Native American history and culture, including resources relevant to Georgia’s tribes.
8. College and University Library Guides (e.g., Georgia Southern University, College of Coastal Georgia, University of Georgia)
Curated guides with book lists, e-resources, and links to local and national Native American studies databases, supporting research and classroom instruction.
These resources collectively offer comprehensive coverage of Georgia’s Native American heritage, from ancient history and archaeological sites to contemporary tribal governments and cultural education.
Sources:
- https://belonging.gsu.edu/info/native-american-heritage-month/histories-resources/
- https://www.gpb.org/blogs/education-matters/2022/11/01/classroom-resources-celebrate-native-american-heritage-month
- https://georgiasouthern.libguides.com/indigenous/nativeamericanheritage
- https://belonging.gsu.edu/info/native-american-heritage-month/